Waveland playground dedicated to Bane family

This one was built in memory of four family members who lost their lives during Hurricane Katrina. (Photo source: WLOX)

It was a ceremony that brought people from around the community. (Photo source: WLOX)

The Bane Family park was built as part of the Elwood Bourgeois Park on Central Avenue in Waveland. (Photo source: WLOX)

WAVELAND, MS (WLOX) - A brand new playground is now open in Waveland, but it's not just any ordinary jungle gym. This one was built in memory of four family members who lost their lives during Hurricane Katrina.

According to those who knew them, Christina, Edgar, Edgar Junior and Carl Bane were a shining light in the community.

When Laura Bane heard that a group of retired firemen from a different state wanted to start a project that would memorialize her brothers and parents, she was blown away.

"10 years later. Wow. I didn't know that people were still thinking of us. I didn't know people were still talking about Katrina," said Bane.

The group of retired firemen are a part of the Where Angels Play Foundation and has now built more than 30 playgrounds in different states.

Brian McGorty said it's days like this that he looks forward to the most.

"We just build the structure. It's not a playground until there's children on it," McGorty said.

Before the children could jump onto the equipment the ribbon had to be cut.

It was a ceremony that brought people from around the community, and even from out of town. Like Bay St. Louis native and former CNN correspondent, Kathleen Koch.

"It's just one of the many ways we're seeing the area recover," said Koch.

The foundation is hoping that this playground will celebrate the life of the Bane family.

"And hopefully, for generations, little children will play. Not because they left us, but because they're still here watching over the little angels," said Bane.

Laura Bane is hoping that the playground will serve as part of her family's legacy. She said her brothers both had autism, and she would like nothing more than to see all children being able to play freely no matter what.

"Because of this being built now it gives all children, handicapped, mentally handicapped, autistic, it doesn't matter. It gives them a chance to come have fun and play on the playground without being judged, without being stared at, without being picked on. And it's a great, great feeling to know that we're helping other kids," said Bane.

The Bane Family playground was built as part of the Elwood Bourgeois Park on Central Avenue in Waveland.